Women’s health advocates fight back

A number of advocates for women’s health gathered in Madison Wednesday, recognizing challenges to their cause. Among policy concerns are recent funding cuts to Planned Parenthood.

Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health Director Sara Finger had a special acknowledgement for Planned Parenthood for providing “basic and critical health care that women need in every community.”

Assembly Democrat Kelda Roys warned against being complacent when the Republican majority in Wisconsin is attempting to “lower the standards for women’s health, across-the-board, across-the-lifespan.” She included proposed cuts to SeniorCare, and elimination of family planning, which advocates say provides cancer screenings for women along with pre-natal screenings.

The Governor has said budget cuts in subsidized health care are an effort to fill a massive state budget deficit.

Attendees at the Wisconsin Women’s Health Policy Summit also spent part of their day lobbying lawmakers at the nearby state capitol.